Natural Disaster Risk in Jewell

Natural Hazard Profile: Jewell, Ohio

Jewell is a small unincorporated community in Defiance County, in the Great Lakes region. The area experiences cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers, with spring tornado risk and winter ice storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Jewell.

FEMA rates Jewell's composite natural disaster risk at 4.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Residents should also account for tornado and ice storm risk in their preparedness planning.

Jewell's risk score, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Defiance County, the highest-scoring are hail, tornado, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Jewell residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for hail is recommended.